Thursday, January 16, 2014

Off the Ground

Happy New Year!

Yeah. I know. Two weeks ago. But things have gotten off to a slow start around here. We came home from holiday travels with a three-week creeping coughing crud and the Dixie temps have tumbled ridiculously into the single digits, freezing our ambition into inert little cubes that are just now beginning to thaw. So, for us, 2014's just getting going.

And key to getting it going is getting back on the water. This year, instead of my traditional annual kickoff wade in some chilly Appalachian trout stream, I wandered east to find a warm coastal breeze and to wave a 7wt at a few North Carolina puppy drum. (I usually call them redfish, but the locals refer to them as drum and consider anyone using the 'r' word a bit prissy; just a half-step above those twice-a-year visiting Salt Lifers.) Whatever you call them, we put a couple of nice ones into the skiff along with a passel of rats and a spec or three. More importantly, we got the fishing year rolling with brilliant barrier island skies, silky smooth salt creeks, and stunning southern sunsets.

So bear with me as I shake off the chill and begin to warm things up around here once again. It should be an interesting year to come, so have a little patience. We'll get rolling in earnest soon.

Gorgeous waterscapes Mike!I'm heading to the Bogue Banks (Emerald Isle Area)this June after a few years away. I didn't need more motivation... but now I've got it. Mind if I pick your brain for some NC inshore fishing beta when it gets closer?

Worth Your Time

The Flyfish Journal:Bahamacon 2017A fantastic week in images from South Andros with the TFFJ crew. Be sure to watch the video at the end, if for nothing more than the island music.

The true worth of fishing, as the experienced, sophisticated angler comes to realize, lies in the memorable contacts with people and other living creatures, scenes and places, and the living waters great and small which it provides.

Sparse Grey Hackle

My Favorite Posts

We all have our favorites. Here's a few of mine from over the years. Hope you enjoy(ed) them too.